Closure with Removable and Interchangeable Fitment

Abstract

A closure with a removable and interchangeable fitment that is used for dispensing particulate matter from a container. The closure has a base, and the fitment is coupled to the base. The closure has an interior sidewall, and the fitment has an exterior sidewall that extends from a dispensing face. The dispensing face defines a plurality of dispensing apertures that are configured to dispense particulate matter. In specific embodiments, the interior sidewall is annular and the exterior sidewall is circumferential. The interior sidewall defines interior mating geometry and the exterior sidewall defines exterior mating geometry. The interior mating geometry releasably mates with the exterior mating geometry. In specific embodiments the interior mating geometry defines a lip and the exterior mating geometry defines a corresponding groove that the lip engages. In specific embodiments, the engagement is a snap fit engagement. In specific embodiments, the groove and the lip are annular.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of container closures. The present invention relates specifically to a closure that permits dispensing particulate matter from a container.

It is generally known to provide hand-held containers for storing and dispensing particulate matter, such as foodstuffs, spices, or seasonings. Typically, such particulate matter is dispensed through a fitment having several openings or apertures. Regarding certain forms of particulate matter, such as various spices or seasonings, users often desire to vary the dispensing rate of the particulate matter and/or to readily access larger quantities of the particulate matter, such as with a measuring spoon. As such, a fitment that is readily removable from the closure and/or readily interchangeable with a fitment having a different size, quantity, or pattern of apertures can be beneficial. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a closure including a removable and interchangeable fitment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a closure for dispensing particulate matter from a container. The closure has a base that is configured to releasably mate with the neck of the container. The base includes an interior sidewall. A groove is formed in the interior sidewall. A fitment is releasably coupled to the base. The fitment has a dispensing face. A plurality of dispensing apertures are defined in the dispensing face. The dispensing apertures are configured to dispense particulate matter. An exterior sidewall extends from the dispensing face. A lip is formed in the exterior sidewall. The lip engages the groove formed in the interior sidewall of the base.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a closure for dispensing particulate matter from a container. The closure has a base that is configured to form a threaded connection with a neck of the container. The base includes an annular interior sidewall the defines interior sidewall mating geometry. A fitment is nested within the base. The fitment has a dispensing face. A plurality of dispensing apertures are defined in the dispensing face. The dispensing apertures are configured to dispense particulate matter. A circumferential exterior sidewall extends from the dispensing face and defines exterior sidewall mating geometry. The exterior sidewall mating geometry complements the interior sidewall mating geometry such that the exterior sidewall of the fitment mates with the interior sidewall of the base in a snap-fit engagement.

Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to a closure kit. The closure kit includes a base and a fitment. The base has a first annular sidewall that forms a first opening for receiving a fitment. A second annular sidewall extends from the first annular sidewall and forms a second opening for receiving a neck of a container, such as a container for storing and dispensing particulate matter. A circumferential groove is defined on the interior of the first annular sidewall. The fitment is configured to nest within the first opening of the base. The fitment has a dispensing face, and a plurality of dispensing apertures are defined in the dispensing face. The dispensing apertures are configured to dispense particulate matter. An exterior sidewall extends from the dispensing face, and a projection is formed in the exterior sidewall. The projection is configured to releasably mate with the groove.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to a closure for dispensing particulate matter from a container. The closure has a base that is configured to releasably mate with the neck of the container. The base includes an interior sidewall. A groove is formed in the interior sidewall. A fitment is releasably coupled to the base. The fitment has a dispensing face. A plurality of dispensing apertures are defined in the dispensing face. The dispensing apertures are configured to dispense particulate matter. An exterior sidewall extends from the dispensing face. A lip is formed in the exterior sidewall. The lip engages the groove formed in the interior sidewall of the base. A cover is coupled to the base by a hinge. The cover is configured to transition between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the cover covers the dispensing apertures, such that particulate matter is not allowed to be dispensed through the dispensing apertures. In the open position, the cover at least in part uncovers the dispensing apertures, such that particulate matter is allowed to be dispensed through the dispensing apertures.

Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view from the top of a closure, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from the bottom of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view from the top of a base of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view from the bottom of the base of FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the base of FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the base of FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from the top of a fitment of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view from the bottom of the fitment of FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 shows a top view of the fitment of FIG. 7, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a side view from the right of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows a side view from the left of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 14 shows a front view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the closure of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 shows a front cross-sectional view of the closure of FIG. 1, taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 10, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows a front detailed cross-sectional view of the closure shown in FIG. 1, taken along line B-B in FIG. 16, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18 shows a front detailed cross-sectional view of the closure section shown in FIG. 17 with the fitment removed, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective detailed cross-sectional view of the closure section shown in FIG. 17 with the fitment removed, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 20 shows a front detailed cross-sectional view of the closure section shown in FIG. 17 with the base removed, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 21 shows a perspective detailed cross-sectional view of the closure section shown in FIG. 17 with the base removed, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Generally, various embodiments of a closure are provided. In specific embodiments, the closure is adapted for use with a container having a threaded, cylindrically shaped neck, such as the type often used for storing and dispensing foodstuffs, spices, seasonings, etc. commonly found in supermarkets and grocery stores. The closure includes a body and a fitment that is coupled to the body. As such, removal of the closure's body from the container, such as by unthreading the body from the neck of the container, correspondingly removes the fitment from the neck of the container, allowing ready access to the contents of the container with a kitchen tool, such as a measuring spoon, without the need to separately pry a tightly fitted fitment from the neck of the container itself. If the user desires to frequently use the container without a fitment, the user may remove the fitment from the body and then reapply the body to the container neck without a fitment. If the user desires to increase or decrease the rate at which the contents of the container are dispensed during a dispensing motion, such as by inverted shaking or sprinkling, the user may alternatively couple a different fitment with a different pattern of dispensing apertures to the body before reapplying the body to the container neck.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, various perspective views are shown of a closure 10. The closure 10 includes a fitment 20 coupled to a body 40. The body 40 includes a base 42 coupled to a cover 44 (e.g. a lid). In specific embodiments, cover 44 is coupled to base 42 by a hinge 45. In more specific embodiments, the hinge 45 is a butterfly hinge. The cover 44 is configured to transition from an open position, in which fitment 20 is at least partially uncovered by cover 44 to allow the dispensing of particulate matter through fitment 20, and a closed position, in which the fitment is covered by cover 44 to block the dispensing of particulate matter through fitment 20. In specific embodiments, a portion of cover 44, more specifically, a portion located opposite from hinge 45, is configured to snap fit to base 42 when the cover 44 is transitioned to a close position.

In specific embodiments, fitment 20 is snap-fit to base 42. As such, when the cover is in an open position and separated from the container neck, a user may apply downward pressure to the fitment 20 from above to release, or unsnap, fitment 20 from base 42. The user may likewise reapply the same fitment 20 or a different fitment by positioning the fitment within base 42 and applying an upward pressure from within base 42 to the fitment to secure, or snap, the fitment into base 42. As used here, directional terms, such as “upper,” “lower,” and “above,” are used with reference to the orientation of closure 10 shown and described in FIGS. 1-2.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, various views are shown of the body 40 of closure 10. The interior of base 42 defines an upper base sidewall or upper sidewall 48 and a lower base sidewall or lower sidewall 50. In specific embodiments, the upper sidewall 48 and the lower sidewall 50 are annular sidewalls. In specific embodiments, upper sidewall 48 is angled inwardly such that the diameter of upper sidewall 48 at the top of upper sidewall 48 is smaller than the diameter of upper sidewall 48 at the bottom of upper sidewall 48, nearest lower sidewall 50. A groove 52 is defined in upper sidewall 48. In specific embodiments, the groove 52 is an annular groove that extends circumferentially around upper sidewall 48. Upper sidewall 48 is configured to releasably engage fitment 20, such as by means of a snap fit connection, upon assembly of closure 10. An interior ledge 54 is defined between upper sidewall 48 and lower sidewall 50. Upon assembly of closure 10, ledge 54 further secures the fitment against axial dislodgement from the base 42 during dispensing, such as by an inverted shaking or pouring motion.

Lower sidewall 50 extends below ledge 54 and is configured to releasably couple with the neck of a container, such as by screwing onto and off from the container neck. Lower sidewall 50 defines one or more interior threads 46 configured to releasably mate with corresponding grooves defined along the exterior of a container neck. In certain embodiments, the lower sidewall of the base may alternatively define one or more interior grooves configured to releasably mate with corresponding threads defined along the exterior of the container neck. In the embodiment shown, lower sidewall 50 defines a single thread 46.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, various views of the fitment 20 of closure 10 are shown. The fitment 20 includes a dispensing face 22 that defines one or more dispensing apertures 24. In the embodiment shown, five circular dispensing apertures 24 of substantially the same size are shown arrayed across the dispensing face 22. In certain embodiments, the dispensing face may define a different pattern of dispensing apertures to meet different dispensing needs, such as to achieve a faster or slower dispensing rate or a broader or narrower dispensing range, or to accommodate larger or smaller particulates being dispensed. For example, in certain embodiments, the dispensing face may define greater than or fewer than five dispensing apertures, larger or smaller dispensing apertures, dispensing apertures spaced closer or further apart from one another, differently shaped dispensing apertures (e.g. ovular dispensing apertures), etc. Should a user's dispensing needs require an alternate dispensing face, the user may readily interchange the fitment 20, as described above, for a fitment having a dispensing face that better meets the user's current dispensing needs.

A circumferential sidewall 26 extends from dispensing face 22. The exterior geometry of sidewall 26 is configured to complement the interior geometry of upper sidewall 48, such that when closure 10 is assembled, sidewall 26 engages upper sidewall 48 of base 42. A flange 34 extends radially outwardly from the sidewall 26. When closure 10 is assembled, the flange 34 engages ledge 54 of base 42.

Referring to FIGS. 10-15, additional views of assembled closure 10 are shown. When assembled, fitment 20 nests within base 42. Referring to FIG. 10, a circumferential edge of the dispensing face 22 abuts upper sidewall 48 of base 42. In specific embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the flange 34 engages at least a portion of the ledge 54 (shown in FIG. 6), specifically engages more than 50% of ledge 54, and more specifically engages more than 75% of ledge 54 (see also FIG. 17). As such, when the closure 10 is applied to a container and inverted for dispensing, ledge 54 serves as an additional barrier to groove 52 in upper sidewall of base 42 against dislodgement or decoupling of fitment 20 from base 42 during an inverted dispensing motion, such as shaking or sprinkling. In other embodiments, the fitment may not include a ledge, such as ledge 54, and may be secured to the base solely by the engagement between the exterior sidewall of the fitment and the upper interior sidewall of the base, such as the snap-fit engagement of lip 32 with groove 52.

Referring to FIG. 16, a cross section of the closure 10 is shown, with fitment 20 secured within base 42 of the assembled closure 10. FIG. 17 shows an enlarged detail of the cross section shown in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 17, the exterior geometry of sidewall 26 complements the corresponding geometry of upper sidewall 48. The sidewall 26 includes an upper portion 28 and a lower portion 30. An edge, projection, or lip 32 is formed between upper portion 28 and lower portion 30. Lip 32 engages groove 52 defined in upper sidewall 48. Additionally, an upper surface 36 of the flange 34 engages ledge 54 of base 42.

FIGS. 18-19 show various views of the detail of FIG. 17 with fitment 20 removed to show groove 52 formed in upper sidewall 48 in greater detail. In specific embodiments, groove 52 is concavely rounded. FIGS. 20-21 show various views of the detail of FIG. 17 with base 42 removed to show lip 32 formed in sidewall 26 in greater detail. In specific embodiments, lip 32 is convexly rounded. In more specific embodiment, at an edge of upper portion 28 nearest lip 32, upper portion 28 protrudes farther in the radially outward direction than lower portion 30 at an edge nearest lip 32.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions and angles of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A closure for dispensing particulate matter from a container, the closure comprising:

a base configured to releasably mate with a neck of the container, the base comprising: an interior sidewall, and a groove formed in the interior sidewall; and

a fitment releasably coupled to the base, the fitment comprising: a dispensing face that defines a plurality of dispensing apertures configured to dispense particulate matter, an exterior sidewall extending from the dispensing face, and a lip formed in the exterior sidewall, the lip engaging the groove.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the interior sidewall of the base further comprises an upper interior sidewall and a lower interior sidewall, wherein the groove is formed in the upper interior sidewall, wherein an interior ledge is formed between the upper interior sidewall and the lower interior sidewall, wherein the fitment further comprises a flange extending outwardly from the exterior sidewall, and wherein the flange engages the interior ledge.

3. The closure of claim 2, wherein the lower interior sidewall includes one or more threads configured to form a threaded mating connection with the neck of the container.

4. The closure of claim 1, wherein the engagement between the lip and the groove is a snap fit engagement.

5. The closure of claim 1, wherein the interior sidewall is an annular interior sidewall.

6. The closure of claim 5, wherein the groove is an annular groove.

7. The closure of claim 6, wherein the exterior sidewall is a circumferential sidewall, and wherein the lip is an annular lip that surrounds the exterior sidewall in the circumferential direction.

8. A closure for dispensing particulate matter from a container, the closure comprising:

a base configured to form a threaded connection with a neck of the container, the base comprising an annular interior sidewall defining interior sidewall mating geometry; and

a fitment nested within the base, the fitment comprising: a dispensing face that defines a plurality of dispensing apertures configured to dispense particulate matter, and a circumferential exterior sidewall extending from the dispensing face, the exterior sidewall defining exterior sidewall mating geometry that complements the interior sidewall mating geometry such that the exterior sidewall of the fitment mates with the interior sidewall of the base in a snap-fit engagement.

9. The closure of claim 8, wherein the interior sidewall mating geometry comprises a groove and the exterior sidewall mating geometry comprises a projection.

10. The closure of claim 9, wherein the groove is a concavely rounded groove, and wherein the projection is a convexly rounded projection.

11. The closure of claim 10, wherein the groove is annular, extending around the circumference of the interior sidewall, and wherein the projection is annular, extending along the circumference of the exterior sidewall.

12. The closure of claim 9, wherein the interior sidewall further comprises an upper interior sidewall and a lower interior sidewall, wherein the groove is formed in the upper interior sidewall, wherein an interior ledge is formed between the upper interior sidewall and the lower interior sidewall, wherein the fitment further comprises an annular flange extending outwardly from the exterior sidewall, and wherein the flange engages the interior ledge.

13. The closure of claim 12, wherein the upper interior sidewall is angled inwardly, such that the diameter of the upper interior sidewall is smaller at the top of the upper interior sidewall than at the bottom of the upper interior sidewall.

14. A closure kit comprising:

a base comprising: a first annular sidewall that forms a first opening for receiving a fitment, a circumferential groove defined on the interior of the first annular sidewall, and a second annular sidewall extending from the first annular sidewall, the second annular sidewall forming a second opening for receiving a neck of a container for storing and dispensing particulate matter; and

a fitment configured to nest within the first opening of the base, the fitment comprising: a dispensing face that defines a plurality of dispensing apertures configured to dispense particulate matter, an exterior sidewall extending from the dispensing face, and a projection formed in the exterior sidewall and configured to releasably mate with the groove.

15. The closure of claim 14, wherein the exterior sidewall is a circumferential exterior sidewall, and wherein the projection extends along at least a portion of the exterior sidewall in the circumferential direction.

16. The closure of claim 15, wherein the projection surrounds the exterior sidewall in the circumferential direction.

17. The closure of claim 14, wherein the exterior sidewall includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion positioned further from the dispensing face than the upper portion, and wherein the projection is defined by a protrusion of the upper portion beyond the lower portion in a radially outward direction.

18. The closure of claim 14, further comprising a lid configured to transition between a closed position coupled to the base and covering the fitment opening and an open position at least partially decoupled from the base and uncovering at least a portion of the fitment opening.

19. The closure of claim 14, further comprising one or more threads defined on an interior of the second annular sidewall and configured to form a threaded connection with the neck of the container.

20. The closure of claim 14, wherein a ledge is defined between the first annular sidewall and the second annular sidewall, wherein the fitment further comprises an annular flange extending outwardly from the exterior sidewall, and wherein the flange comprises an upper surface configured to abut the ledge when the projection is mated with the groove.

21. A closure for dispensing particulate matter from a container, the closure comprising:

a base configured to releasably mate with a neck of the container, the base comprising: an interior sidewall, and a groove formed in the interior sidewall;

a fitment releasably coupled to the base, the fitment comprising: a dispensing face that defines a plurality of dispensing apertures configured to dispense particulate matter, an exterior sidewall extending from the dispensing face, and a lip formed in the exterior sidewall, the lip engaging the groove;

a cover configured to transition between a closed position covering the dispensing apertures, such that particulate matter is not allowed to be dispensed through the dispensing apertures, and an open position at least in part uncovering the dispensing apertures, such that particulate matter is allowed to be dispensed through the dispensing apertures; and

a hinge that couples the cover to the base.

22. The closure of claim 21, wherein the hinge is a butterfly hinge.

23. The closure of claim 21, wherein a portion of the cover opposite the hinge is configured to snap fit to the base when the cover is transitioned to a closed position.

24. The closure of claim 21, wherein the base further comprises one or more threads protruding from the interior sidewall, the one or more threads configured to releasably mate with corresponding grooves formed on the neck of the container.

25. The closure of claim 21, wherein the engagement between the lip and the groove is a snap fit engagement.

26. The closure of claim 21, wherein the interior sidewall is an annular interior sidewall, wherein the groove is an annular groove, wherein the exterior sidewall is a circumferential sidewall, and wherein the lip is an annular lip that surrounds the exterior sidewall in the circumferential direction.